Barberini Palace

Barberini Palace is another Roman palace worth visiting for its splendor and collection of art. When Maffei Barberini became Pope Urban VIII in 1623 he decided to build a grand family palazzo.

Bernini was commissioned to design the facade overlooking the garden and staircase. Borromini was commissioned to design the spiral staircase and windows to the top story of the palace. The most dazzling room is the Gran Salone, with its illusionist ceiling frescoes by Pietro Da Cortona.

Judith and Holofernes: By Caravaggio - 1595 / 1596
(Shown above)

The painting was realized by the artist during his stay in Rome under the patronage of Cardinal del Monte.

The strong contrast between light and shade and its tragic realism are typical of the artist's style and provoked great controversy.

Et in Arcadia Ego: By Guercino - 1618

It is one of Guercino's famous paintings, representing the discovery of a skull by two young shepherd boys. The artist finds a perfect harmony between his Venetian reminiscence and his personal sensitivity.